Measles quarantine issued at two California universities

A measles quarantine was ordered Thursday at two public universities in Los Angeles in an effort to try to prevent the spread of the highly contagious diseas...

Posted: Apr. 26, 2019 3:33 AM

Updated: Apr. 26, 2019 3:49 AM

Posted By: CNN

A measles quarantine was ordered Thursday at two public universities in Los Angeles in an effort to try to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.

The order was issued at UCLA and Cal State LA for students and staff exposed to a confirmed case of measles and who cannot prove they have been vaccinated against the highly contagious disease.

Thosestudents and university employees, numbering more than 100,were being ordered to stay home, avoid contact with others and notify public health officials if they develop symptoms.

"Both universities are assisting with the implementation of quarantine orders and determining how best to support students who must be quarantined and who live on campus," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday confirmed the milestone, saying the agency has counted 695 cases in 22 states this year.

The statement from health officials in Los Angeles said the measures at the two universities were being implemented "to build awareness among students, faculty and staff about the risks of measles after a potential exposure to measles."

"Quarantine for measles can be up to 21 days from the date of last exposure, at which time the exposed person is no longer a risk for developing the disease and spreading measles to others," the statement said.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or if someone comes into direct contact or shares germs by touching the same objects or surfaces. Measles symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash of red spots.

Measles can stay in the air for up to two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes and can stay on surfaces for many hours, making a college campus especially susceptible for the disease to spread due to the high volume of people going in and out of buildings.

In a letter to students and faculty, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said the university was notified on Monday that a student had contracted measles. The student attended classes at Franz Hall and Boelter Hall on three days -- April 2, 4 and 9 — while contagious, Block said.

"Upon learning of this incident, UCLA immediately identified and notified more than 500 students, faculty and staff with whom the student may have come into contact or who may have otherwise been exposed," Block said. "They were also provided with detailed information about treatment and prevention."

Most people have been cleared, the chancellor said, "but we are still awaiting medical records from 119 students and eight faculty members to determine whether they are immune to the measles."

"We expect that those notified will be quarantined for approximately 24 to 48 hours until their proof of immunity is established," Block said. "A few may need to remain in quarantine for up to seven days. We have arranged for those who live on campus to be cared for at UCLA while they are quarantined."

At Cal State LA, school officials said there may have been exposure to measles at Library North on April 11, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Library employees, including student workers, "have been sent home under quarantine orders and told to stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible," the university said.

The university did not say how many people were affected by the quarantine.

"The Department of Public Health has determined that there is no known current risk related to measles at the library at this time," the university said.

Meanwhile, state public health officials on Thursday urged Californians to make sure they have been vaccinated against measles before traveling, especially to international locations.

The number of measles cases in California has more than doubled over the last week, from 15 to 38, the California Department of Public Health said. There were 11 cases total this time last year.

Of the 2019 cases, 14 cases were with international travelers, 22 cases were due to spread from travelers to persons in California, and two cases are of unknown source, the agency said.

Health officials also said a passenger who flew in and out of Los Angeles International Airport on April 18 has been confirmed with a case of measles, the fourth such case at the airport.

"Vaccination is the only way to ensure you and your family members will not get measles," said Dr. Karen Smith, the director of the California Department of Public Health. "Many countries are currently experiencing widespread measles activity. Make sure you and your family are fully vaccinated before traveling internationally."